Method and system for continuity testing of medical electrodes

(19)

(11)

EP 1 566 645 A3

(12)	EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88)	Date of publication A3:
	19.07.2006 Bulletin 2006/29

(43)	Date of publication A2:
	24.08.2005 Bulletin 2005/34

(21)	Application number: 05002769.7

(22)	Date of filing: 10.02.2005

(51)

International Patent Classification (IPC):

G01R 31/02^(2006.01)

(84)	Designated Contracting States:
	AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
	Designated Extension States:
	AL BA HR LV MK YU

(30)

Priority:

12.02.2004 US 543877 P

(71)	Applicant: Sherwood Services AG
	8200 Schaffhausen (CH)

(72)	Inventors:
	Paterson, William G. Longmont, CO 80501 (US) Blaha, Derek M. Longmont, CO 80503 (US)

(74)	Representative: HOFFMANN EITLE
	Patent- und Rechtsanwälte Arabellastrasse 4 81925 München 81925 München (DE)

(54)	Method and system for continuity testing of medical electrodes

(57) An electrosurgical generator is provided which includes a continuity test circuit assembly for testing electrical continuity through an electrode of an electrosurgical instrument. The continuity test circuit assembly includes a test power source providing electrical test energy to a first conductor which is in electrical communication with the electrode and the electrosurgical generator and to at least one second conductor which is coupled to the first conductor for providing a path for current to flow between the first conductor and the at least one second conductor for establishing a test path through which the test energy flows between the first conductor and at least one conductor of the at least one second conductor. The continuity test circuit assembly further includes energy detection circuitry positioned along the test path for detecting the flow of the test energy through the test path for determining electrical continuity through the electrode.

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